Essex County, Virginia

Essex_County_VA_courthouse2

Essex County, Virginia

Essex County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,599. Its county seat is Tappahannock.

History

Essex County was established in 1692 from the old Rappahannock County. The county was named after Essex, a county in England. The area has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period and played a role in the early development of the state of Virginia.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 286 square miles (740 km²), of which 257 square miles (670 km²) is land and 29 square miles (75 km²) (10.1%) is water. The county is located in the eastern part of the state and is part of the Northern Neck region.

Adjacent counties

• Caroline County - west
• King and Queen County - south
• Middlesex County - southeast
• Richmond County - northeast
• Westmoreland County - north

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 10,599 people, 4,200 households, and 2,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 41 people per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 60.5% White, 35.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

Government and infrastructure

The county is governed by a Board of Supervisors, consisting of representatives from each of the county's five districts. The county also has a Sheriff's Office, which provides law enforcement services.

Education

Essex County is served by the Essex County Public Schools system, which includes Essex High School, Essex Intermediate School, and Tappahannock Elementary School.

Economy

The economy of Essex County is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The county also has a growing tourism sector, with visitors attracted to its historical sites and natural beauty.

Communities

Town

• Tappahannock

Unincorporated communities

• Caret
• Dunnsville
• Loretto

Notable people

• John Lee Pratt, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, was born in Essex County.

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Virginia